Below is a message that was posted on Yahoo Answers. Spoiler alert: yes, you do have a virus.

“There is this message that keeps coming up in a yellow box with a red cross that seems to look like a legit windows message: “Windows has detected spyware infection! ..Windows will now download and install antispyware program.” Whenever i click on this it scans then takes me to a windows site that asks me to register and pay for removal…”

If you ever receive a message “from Windows” on your computer telling you that you have a virus, do not proceed. The message is a virus in itself, and it will probably lead you to a website that will ask you for your credit card information. Windows is not capable of performing virus scans or performing virus removal. Consider calling a reliable, established computer repair company such as A+ Mobile PC Doctors, and one of our technicians will be able to access your computer remotely to confirm the virus. From there, you can drop off your laptop at our Boston location at 316 Newbury Street in Boston, MA. Or you can arrange to have us pick it up for a small fee. We are the fastest, most efficient computer repair company in the Boston area.

You can reach A+ Mobile PC Doctors by calling 1-866-417-3945, or browse our computer repair services by visiting our website.